04-05-2005 POLM
HUTCHINSON POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on April5,2005, at the Hutchinson
Police Department Emergency Operations Center. Present at the meeting were Barry
Anderson, Donna Baysinger, Tom Schwartz, Human Resource Director Brenda Ewing,
Chief Dan Hatten, and Lt. Dave Erlandson.
The meeting was called to order. Chairperson Barry Anderson asked if there were any
changes to the minutes from the last meeting. A motion was made by Tom Schwartz,
seconded by Donna Baysinger, to accept the minutes as stated. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten informed the commissioners that the eligibility roster had been exhausted. He
stated that one individual had taken a job in Mankato; one turned down the offer and chose
to stay where he was and the third individual had issues arise during the background
phase. Chief Hatten stated he would like to advertise for the full-time officer position.
Brenda Ewing handed out to each commissioner a copy of the packet used by human
resources when a position is advertised She stated that an ad would be placed in the
Hutchinson Leader, Minneapolis Star/Tribune, placed on the city's web site as well as
P.O.S.T., Work Force and League of Minnesota Cities. It was stated that the city normally
advertises for a minimum of 10 days and this position would most likely run for 30 days.
The advertisement would stated that the individuals would need to be eligible to be licensed
by September 1, 2005. This allows for graduates to go through skills if needed and take
the licensing exam. A motion was made by Donna Baysinger, seconded by Tom Schwartz,
to proceed with the advertising processes. Motion carried.
The next item on the agenda was to discuss the testing of the applicants. As had been
previously discussed the department needs to obtain a new entrance test for officers due to
the fact the company previously used by the department had gone out of business. Chief
Hatten stated that the Minnesota Chief's of Police Association reviewed different
companies that offer entrance exams and have recommended Stanard & Associates. This
company enables each department to choose their level of involvement in the testing
process, from having the company do everything to the department doing everything. The
level of involvement required of the company determ ines the cost of the test. A motion was
made by Donna Baysinger, seconded by Tom Schwartz, to accept Stanard & Associates as
the testing company used by the department. Motion carried.
The commission was asked by Chief Hatten as to what dates they would like to schedule
where they could discuss their roles and responsibilities as a commission. It was decided
that they would meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month for the next three months with the
first meeting being May 4th at 5:30 p.m. (Since the date of this meeting it has been
determined that the date chosen will not work - new tentative date is May 18th.)
Chief Hatten then updated the commission on several issues within the department. He
stated the updating of the policy and procedure manual was still moving forward as well as
the emergency operation plan. The generator project - getting one from the hospital and
Police Commission
April 5, 2005
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give the departments to the rec center - should be complete by late September, early
October. The two new dispatchers have gone through training and are working on their
own at this time. He stated that he understood the commissions desire to meet the new
employees once they are hired and would work on accomplishing this task. He then
showed the commissioners the different graphics the department is looking at for new
squad cars with the scheme being black and white. Brenda Ewing then informed the
commission that the city will be reviewing the comp plan that was developed five years ago
and making any necessary adjustments to the plan.
Tom Schwartz then asked about the schools and what they have in place for emergency
plans in light of the shooting at Red Lake High School. Chief Hatten informed him that the
schools did have plans and that tabletop exercises have been done on days where the
district has the two-hour late starts. Donna Baysinger asked how the department was
planning on handling the Water Carnival Parade going down Main Street and the 150th
anniversary of the city. Chief Hatten stated that the department has been working closely
with both groups and trying to anticipate the needs for the many events.
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Tom Schwartz,
seconded by Donna Baysinger, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 7:55 a.m.
Donna Baysinger